I have a 92 190E 2.3.

I get a clunking sound when i start the car and when in drive or reverse at idle there is a lot of vibration.

My best guess it that the motor and transmission mounts are bad.

There are 2 types of motor mounts for this engine - Hydraulic and solid.

My question - What is a hydraulic motor mount and are they better or worse than the solid-given my problem?

Thank you in advance
John Mlynick
Shelburne Falls, MA

Actually, there's only one kind of engine mount, the hydraulic. The transmission mount is solid.

Your symptoms are classic for failed motor mounts.

The motor mount looks like solid rubber but actually has a fluid in the center. The fluid can leak out and cause the problems you describe. It is usually not possible to visually see if the mount is good or bad.